LAWSON SETS THE PACE AT HIGH POINT

MOUNT MORRIS, Pa. (May 24, 2008) -- Defending race winner Jeremy Lawson was the last rider to hit the track for the second qualifying session on Saturday, but the extra time in the pits proved rewarding as the Team Epic Can-Am rider set the fastest time in the Pro ATV Class at High Point Raceway. Lawson scorched the demanding course in two minutes, 3.01 seconds to set the fastest time for this weekend's ATV Stampede. The event marks Round 6 of the ITP Tires/Moose Racing ATV National Motocross Series Presented by Parts Unlimited.

 

Lawson (No. 16 Team Epic Can-Am) was only one tenth faster than defending champion Joe Byrd (No. 7 Honda), but is looking forward to making it two in a row tomorrow afternoon. Josh Creamer (No. 9 Monster Energy Kawasaki) was third quickest.

 

"We took some extra time setting up the quad, but I’m happy we did," said Lawson. "The track has a lot of hard landings, and the off-cambers are tricky so the set up is crucial."

 

With sunny skies and 80-degree weather in the forecast, Lawson is poised to repeat as the ATV Stampede winner.

 

"I really like this track," said Lawson. "It has always fit me really well. I’m not sure why, but I’m fast here and I’m ready for tomorrow."

Steve Runkel (No. 911 Honda), Hunter Miller (No. 90 Golden West Cycles), John Ragon (No. 98 Team Ragon 98 Honda), and Thomas Hagar (No. 215 ATV Fourplay Suzuki) qualified for tomorrow's finals through the Last Chance Qualifier (LCQ). Michael Brown, Chris Tait, Rich Stambach, Trent Kandel, Brock Lyons, Cale Downen and Jason Dunkleberger didn't qualify for the 20-quad field.

 

The ATV Stampede continues tomorrow with the final Pro qualifying round, scheduled for 10 a.m., followed by final motos at noon and at 3 p.m. Tomorrow's action will also feature a full card of Amateur, Youth and Women's racing.